Arriving at kaohsiung city, the one thing that you may consider spending your day-out is at Cijin Island, located just 15 mins from Kaohsiung Island by ferry… like those you see in vietnam or Indonesia that motorists can load their motorcycles on-board without any hassle to connect both islands together.

Easy boarding starts from exchanging coins and inserting them into the automated machine before you push your bike or bicycle that you rent on kaohsiung island on-board the ferry. Each way costs a flat fee of 60 cents in Singapore currency dollars but it’s worth the ride towards the Cijin Island than limiting your travels in Kaohsiung.

The best leisure way to get close to nature and in-touch with local attractions is to rent a bicycle ( non-motored ) and explore on-foot from an attraction to another on the cijin island and kaohsiung island. No waiting time for buses and more flexibility for visiting these attractions on your own time.

Known for its long shorelines and big strong waves, the Cijin Beach might be a star attraction for many who heads towards the end for the tall lighthouse guiding ships and the breathtaking views of the neighbouring islands.

Facing the Cijin Beach, the Cijin Market is also a hit for many tourists to hunt down for fresh seafood products and dried products that are locally produced. Prices might be a little higher than you can find elsewhere, but no doubt for the freshness and reputation for seafood!

Imagine those freshly cubes of mango mixed with a tub of crusted ice and topped with condensed milk…. yum yum. And slowly crunching those succulent mango among your teeth, that’s pure feast pleasure!

Cijin Fort

Heading North-East, you will find yourself going around small alleys in the residences and with some directions from the signs, you will soon land at a pretty secluded area at the end of the route that shows the most commonly visited attractions – Cijin Light-House and Cijin gunners where you can enjoy the best of two sights at a destination. Both are walking distances from each other and these 2 places will probably take you an hour or two for a detailed exploration and not forgetting… those long flight of stairs.. but it’s worth the effort.

If you thought this is what you’re hunting for, well not really. This might lead you to somewhere more interesting, if you’re brave enough to hike through the tunnel…….

Restored in 1991, the fort was used to guard the northern entrance to Kaohsiung Harbour but the entrance was destroyed in the war with the Japanese in the old days and leaving behind partial of the fort as we can see above.

After hiking for about 15 mins, i managed to climb upwards on the fort and nothing’s as captivating and satisfying as this to see history through my pair of eyes. Did we mention that the highest level isn’t barracked with any safety nets so you will be mesmerized with the 360 unblocked views of Taiwan!

If the weather is a little less tedious, it will be more comfortable to enjoy the 360 degrees view of the Kaohsiung city and Cijin Island all at a glance. Nothing beats the view at the top of the fort than anywhere else for the colourful buildings and sea views.

Cijin Star Tunnel

The Cijin Star Tunnel was spotted on a damp area near the beach while you hike down from the Cijin Fort and the place wasn’t marked with any signboards, thus making a discovery of the Cijin Star Tunnel will be pretty challenging especially during the typhoon season that we visited Cijin and was faced with cordoned areas for the strong winds and waves.

Extraordinary with its glittering stars and astronomy along the ceiling of the tunnel, we were awed by the darkness in the tunnel while enjoying the cooling wind whisking through. Right at the end of the tunnel, one will be welcomed with a rewarding view of the beach with exceptionally strong winds and waves.

Cijin LightHouse

The final pitstop just next to the Cijin Fort will require you to physically climb up the hills to get to the Cijin Lighthouse. Now you know why you need a bike to explore Cijin, you can possibly cycle upwards or push your bike upwards and a 15 mins climb is required for you to reach the Cijin LightHouse round the curve paths.

Inside the Cijin Lighthouse, you will be showcased with historical moments of the lighthouse and photographers snapped by professionals of this masterpiece navigating the ships. However, the stairs aren’t opened to public viewing, else you’ll definitely get a great view up there.

Be rewarded with a breathtaking view of Kaohsiung right at the Cijin Lighthouse which is worth the climb and refreshen yourself with cold drinks while enjoying the sunset that ends off the day.

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